Sethman gauges H1N1 vaccine acceptance among college students

Chad Sethman, Assistant Professor of Biology, has partnered with professors at six other colleges and universities in Pennsylvania along with the PA department of Health to research the acceptance level of the H1N1 vaccine among college students. Undergraduate student researcher Brittany Spitznogle will also be directly involved with the research. The 2009 Pandemic A/H1N1 influenza virus has disproportionately affected children and young adults in the 5 to 24 years age group. Vaccines represent an important strategy for the control of influenza but are only effective if accepted by the public. Unique mindset issues may affect acceptance of the Pandemic A/H1N1 vaccine among college students. Sethman’s study will examine the factors that may influence acceptance of the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 vaccine with this specific population.